Person Information

Biography

Opdyke was politically active in the Republican party in New York City. Prior to his involvement in the Republican Party, in 1848 Opdyke was a Delegate to the Free Soil Party convention. He also ran unsuccessfully for Congress. In the 1850s Opdyke moved to New York City and served in the New York State Assembly. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention, initially supporting Salmon P. Chase for President, and later playing an important role in the nomination of Abraham Lincoln. George Opdyke was elected the Mayor of New York City in 1861 and served until 1864. In July 1863 riots among citizens opposed to drafting soldiers for the Civil War consumed the city. Mayor Opdyke backed the Lincoln Administration and refused to negotiate. He called in police and requested the assistance of federal troops. After leaving office, Opdyke was a member of many civic organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce.

Citations

Biography and Citation Information:
Biography: 
Opdyke was politically active in the Republican party in New York City. Prior to his involvement in the Republican Party, in 1848 Opdyke was a Delegate to the Free Soil Party convention. He also ran unsuccessfully for Congress. In the 1850s Opdyke moved to New York City and served in the New York State Assembly. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention, initially supporting Salmon P. Chase for President, and later playing an important role in the nomination of Abraham Lincoln. George Opdyke was elected the Mayor of New York City in 1861 and served until 1864. In July 1863 riots among citizens opposed to drafting soldiers for the Civil War consumed the city. Mayor Opdyke backed the Lincoln Administration and refused to negotiate. He called in police and requested the assistance of federal troops. After leaving office, Opdyke was a member of many civic organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce.
Citation Type: 
Website
Citation URL: 
http://www.mrlincolnandnewyork.org/new-yorkers/george-opdyke-1805-1880/
Website Viewing Date: 
Friday, February 10, 2017 - 12:45
Website's Last Modified Date: 
Friday, February 10, 2017 - 12:45
Citation Notes: 
https://books.google.com/books?id=eYkDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA202#v=onepage&q&f=false
Citation for Birth Info:
Citation Type: 
Website
Citation URL: 
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=opdyke&GSfn=george&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=d&GRid=19377028&df=all&
Website Viewing Date: 
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Website Last Modified Date: 
Friday, February 10, 2017 - 12:45
Citation for Death Info:
Citation Type: 
Website
Citation URL: 
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=opdyke&GSfn=george&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=d&GRid=90705012&df=all&
Website Viewing Date: 
Friday, February 10, 2017 - 12:45
Website Last Modified Date: 
Friday, February 10, 2017 - 12:45